What is Direction? — Reading Comprehension

Direction tells us which way something is moving or facing. While speed tells us how fast an object goes, direction shows us the path it takes.

We often use words like forward, backward, left, right, up, down, north, south, east, and west to describe direction. For example:

• -A ball rolling to the right is moving in the right direction.
• -A bird flying upward is moving in the upward direction.
• -A car driving north is moving in the north direction.

When we combine speed and direction, we get a clearer picture of motion. Imagine two runners: if they both run at the same speed but one runs east and the other west, their motion is different because their directions are different.

Direction is always described using a reference point. A reference point helps us explain the path an object takes. For example, you might say, “The dog is running toward the tree,” or “The plane is flying away from the city.” The tree and the city are reference points that help others understand the direction.
Direction helps us describe, measure, and predict how objects move. Whether it’s a swing moving back and forth, a rocket blasting upward, or a boat sailing west, direction is a key part of understanding motion.

Fun Fact: Did you know that a compass has been used for over 1,000 years to find direction? It always points north, helping people travel safely on land and sea!

What does direction tell us?

Which word describes direction?

Why is direction important?

Two cars go at the same speed. One goes east, the other west. What’s different?

What tool helps find north?

If a ball rolls away from a tree, what is the tree?

A swing moves back and forth. Which best describes this?

A bird flies upward. Which direction is it moving?